The Green H LLP lectures at the First International Green Build Conference in Belgrade, 2011.

The paper aims to focus on the differences between the two methods of assessment (LEED & BREEAM), providing a short overview and comparison. It also aims to underline how the future of our cities environmental impact can be reduced by retro-fitting existing buildings within the European Union. In a number of countries, projects have been established to showcase and demonstrate the feasibility of adopting these measures to reduce energy consumption and water use. Until this point, focus has mainly been directed towards new buildings, the need for improving energy efficiency in existing housing stock still being an objective issue. Adoption of new technologies and suggested policies would achieve energy savings as high as 80 per cent, enabling countries to not only save money and create more efficient living spaces, but to also provide a healthier legacy for the future generations.